J. William Reynolds and Robert Donchez are both against a single-hauler.

Bethlehem's next mayor likely won't be bringing up the issue of contracting one trash hauler for the entire city, which ignited backlash last year when Mayor John Callahan suggested it and doing away with the current system that lets residents hire their own haulers.

The only two candidates who filed to run for mayor — Democrats J. William Reynolds and Robert Donchez — said they don't support a single-hauler system but would be open to carving the city into zones so that private haulers pick up each neighborhood's trash on a designated day.

In an announcement Wednesday, Reynolds called so-called "zoned hauling" the way to go. But he also suggested stepping up enforcement of trash violations like other communities do.

Right now, citations are issued after a complaint is made and homeowners are given notice to clean up a property in five to seven days. Reynolds called for a program that would educate the residents for several weeks on what trash ordinances are, and then go into the neighborhoods looking for the violations.

In an interview this week, Donchez promised to "immediately explore" zoned hauling if elected mayor.

Callahan had called for a single-hauler last year, saying the contract would lead to cuts in most residents' trash bills. A sometimes contentious debate ensued during the budget hearings.

The hearing that included a discussion on trash hauling brought more than 100 people, many of whom trickled out into the hallway, and lasted past 1 a.m.

Many lauded the current system, fashioning their own contracts based on how much trash they put out.

But Callahan argued that a city survey shows more residents would support a single-hauler if it led to lower bills. He couldn't persuade council last year to go along with it for the 2013 budget, but he bid out the work anyway this year.

City officials say the low bid works out to be $197 annually, including recycling fees. The average bill now is $400, city officials say.

Council has not scheduled any committee hearings to review the bids.

Opponents argue that a single-hauler could hike up the price in a few years after the competition disappears.

Barring a write-in vote or third-party candidate, the Democratic primary will likely decide the next mayor. No Republicans have filed to be on the ballot. It will be the first time in 10 years Bethlehem will get a new mayor. Callahan's term expires at the end of the year and he cannot run for a third term.